MEET OUR GUESTS

We are honored that our guests have shared time from busy schedules to join us on "5-Alarm Task Force." Some of them provide services or products that might be of interest to you. Interested in contacting a guest? Look for their link in their logo or underscored and highlighted in their text!​All postings here are completely gratis and I receive no remuneration from them, whatsoever.​

P.J. Norwood is a Deputy Chief Training Officer for the East Haven CT Fire Department and has served four years with the CT Army National Guard. P.J. is a FDIC classroom, workshop and HOT Instructor, Fire Engineering Advisory Panel Member, Fire Engineering book and video author “The Evolving Fireground - Researched Based Tactics” and the “Tactical Perspectives DVD Series. P.J. also serves on the UL-FSRI Technical Panel for the Study of Residential Attic Fire Mitigation Tactics and Exterior Fire Spread Hazards on Fire Fighter Safety. P.J. is a Public Safety Education Group advisory member for UL-FSRI. He has lectured across the United States as well and overseas. He is certified to the Instructor II, Officer III, Fire Marshal and Paramedic level.

Interested in our book? Just click on the image below and it will take you directly to the PennWell Book Store.

Sean Gray started his fire service career in Southern California in 1993 and currently holds the rank of Fire Captain with Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services in Metro Atlanta, GA. He has a Bachelor's degree in Fire Safety and Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. He is a FDIC HOT instructor and has been published in multiple Fire Service magazines. He serves on the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute Advisory Board and is currently working on several firefighter safety research projects. He is the co-author of the book and DVD, "The Evolving Fireground: Researched-Based Tactics."

Joe DeVito is a captain and paramedic and in his thirteenth year with the Ft. Myers Beach Fire Control District. He previously spent five years with Lee Count EMS and has volunteered for Bayshore Fire Rescue in Florida and the Manhasset Lakeville Fire Dept. in New York. Joe grew up around the fire department as his father worked his way through the ranks at MLFD from firefighter to chief, and eventually Commissioner. Joe has four Associates degrees and is currentlyworking on his BS in Public Safety Administration. Joe is an EMS and Fire Academy instructor and considers himself a "guardian of the brotherhood." He attempts to keep firefighters positive through the "Three E's - Enthusiasm, Encouragement & Education." Joe is a contributor to Firefightertoolbox.com and is a member of the Gulf Coast F.O.O.L.S. You can find Joe on Twitter, @joed911, passing on what he knows and constantly learning from others. You can also reach him via email at jdevito911@gmail.com Joe wants to thank his family for their support and knows he would not be the person he is without them. REMEMER Joe's "C.L.U.E.S.C - ConditionL - LocationU - UtilitiesE - ExposuresS - Survival Spaces

Mark Slafkovsky has been both an iron and steel fabricator, as well as a building contractor since 1978. Working to both build and remodel, Mark used the general tools at hand. Providence had him meet, Mr. Nestor. The gentleman was working on a new type of tool that was based on the concept of the "mechanical advantage," as promulgated by Archimedes. Add a lever to a balance "point" (fulcrum) you could greatly multiply the lifting force. The longer the handle, the greater the force. They eventually developed the "Nestorbar.(R)" Along comes the super-storm known as, "Sandy." Homes all around and including, Mark's were severely damaged and needed some serious demo before any renovation could be done. After using a standard bar to push through plaster and lathe or drywall, Mark decided to give the Nestorbar(R)a try. Instead of using the narrow end, Mark reversed the bar and plunged through with the double-clawed end. Not only did it create a larger hole going in, it created a hell-of-a-larger hole pulling out. He knew he had something here. He continued to use it for all sorts of demo and lifting. The dual rocker claws create a stable fulcrum point. Lift a pile of plywood, put your foot on the handle, now both hands are free! However, after his work helping friends and neighbors after Sandy, Mark saw another use for the Nestorbar(R), by firefighters. Mark knew what after a fire, firefighters often have to create large openings in the walls to surge out the smallest ember and assure that this fire would be completely extinguished. The Nestorbar(R) would be a valuable tool. Mark also reasoned that, in the true, emergent situation, with somebody trapped under a pile of wood or even a vehicle, the Nestorbar(R) could provide the rescuers the ability to lift whatever was trapping the victim, perhaps just enough to slide them out; the firefighters could even use the cribbing they often carry on their apparatus, to provide a more stable and higher foundation for the bar to lift from. And with that, Mark has been traveling around the country to demonstrate and even donate, Nestorbars(R) to fire-rescue departments. Want to learn more? Visit www.nestorbars.com

Brad Bihun is a thirteen year, full-time Firefighter/Engineer/Paramedic in the Southern California area. Brad also serves as a Public Information Officer on many of the large fires throughout California over the last two years. Brad has been involved with many non-profit organizations, including the Terry Farrell Fund and is the Co-Organizer of the "Stachetober Fest," which has raised over $100,000 during the last ten years for a variety of first responder in need. Co-organizing this charity, has allowed Brad to see the effects of occupational cancer on the lives of friends and unfortunately, several of them paid the ultimate price in our profession. Brad has made a strong effort to learn more about the hazardous materials firefighters face everyday. During those efforts, he was the way toxins not only affix themselves to our bodies, but find ways to enter, as well. And those that remain on the outside, are carried everywhere one may go and, in what NIOSH refers to as the "toxic hand-off," contaminate anything and everything we touch. From this, Brad is determined to educate the fire service about these hazards. FULL DISCLOSURE: Brad is part-owner of a distribution company for Hygenall Full-Spectrum Firefighter Decon Products. However, as a firefighter himself, his main goal is to first and foremost, educate the members of the fire service so that they are able to make informed decisions and implement procedures and tools to help mitigate the toxins firefighters face on a daily basis.

Dr. Walker holds a B.A. in Biology from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. He completed his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. His residency was in Family Medicine at Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia where he served as Chief Resident. He completed a Masters Degree in Public Health Leadership from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He holds an additional Certificate of Qualification in Occupational Medicine from the American Osteopathic Board of Occupational and Preventive Medicine and is Certified in Family Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Practice. He is an Aviation Medical Examiner, a Certified Medical Review Officer and is on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. He serves as the Medical Director for Georgia Power Company.

His primary interest is prevention of disease in first responders. In 2006 he co-founded SiteMed, a company that performs over 6000 NFPA 1582 physical exams annually. He has served on health and wellness committees for the IAFC and helped to develop “A healthcare providers guide to firefighter physicals”. He enjoys speaking to firefighter groups about health and wellness. He understands the stresses both emotional and physical that are faced by firefighters. His focus is helping firefighters live healthier longer lives though health coaching, appropriate medical testing, psychological interventions and lifestyle changes.

Dr. Walker resides in the Atlanta area with his wife, two children and his dog Logan. His personal interests include teaching, reading, hiking and traveling.Have questions? Reach Dr. Walker at lwalker@sitemed.net

If you in the fire service and you're on Twitter or Facebook, you probably recognize, "yourturnoutgearandpfoa," as a Twitter ID or on Facebook. That is our guest, Diane Cotter. She is not a scientist, nor is she a scientific researcher. She is the wife of Lt. (ret) Paul Cotter of the Worcester MA Fire Dept. One month after his promotion, Paul was diagnosed with prostate cancer. And it was here that two journeys began; the first would be Paul's treatments to fight and best this horrid disease and the second was Diane's study of the environmental cancer problem to firefighters and finding that it was very possible that a cause could be found in the turnout gear that firefighters wear.To learn more, follow Diane on Twitter @yourturnoutgearandpfoa and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Your-Turnout-Gear-and-PFOA-1808869939437081/

Anthony Mangeri has more than 30 years of experience in crisis management and emergency operations. He served his community as a volunteer firefighter and an EMT for close to 30 years, ultimately earning the rank of assistant chief/safety officer and serving as the fire department’s health and safety officer for many years.Currently, Mangeri serves as the Director of Fire and Emergency Services Initiatives at American Public University System and is faculty in the School of Security and Global Studies. He serves on several professional committees, including the ASIS Fire and Life Safety Council, The Domestic Preparedness Journal Editorial Advisory Board, and IAEM Scholarship Commission. Anthony holds a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University and is a Certified Public Manager and Certified Emergency Manager. Anthony also has completed a fellowship in Public Health Leadership in Emergency Response. Anthony was just elected President Region 2 of the International Association of Emergency Managers.You can reach Anthony at amangeri@apus.eduAnd learn more at amuonline.com\AMX

At 45 years young Heather Mazurkiewicz left her CEO position with the Building Industry Association and entered the North Collier Fire Academy. She served as the Academy’s first female Class Leader and is now a Florida State Certified Firefighter and Nationally Certified EMT. She utilizes those skills as a volunteer Firefighter with the Bayshore Fire & Rescue District and as the Public Education & Information Officer for North Collier Fire Control & Rescue, overseeing programs like Community CPR and CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Teams).Heather is the Assistant State Director for Firefighter Cancer Support Network, a volunteer organization that assists firefighters and their families when faced with a Cancer diagnosis. She is the Founder of the Florida Cancer Presumption Coalition, an organization dedicated to educating the public and elected officials about the need for Cancer Presumption/Coverage for firefighters in the State of Florida. Cancer is the number one killer of firefighters and Heather brings awareness through speaking engagements, a strong social media presence and the coordination of statewide events.

Heather was most recently recognized as the State of Florida's Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. She has been named by WGCU and the Southwest Florida Community Foundation as a MAKER. One of 50 women who are recognized for the contributions they MAKE to the Community. Heather has been chosen as a Gulfshore Business Magazine’s 40 under 40 and one of Southwest Florida’s Most Influential Women. She is a graduate of the US Chambers Institute of Organizational Management (IOM). IOM is a four-year program combining practical and academic experience to assist participants in implementing cutting-edge ideas and best practices into their organizations. Heather was selected by her class of Association and Chamber professionals from across the Country, to represent her class at graduation and give the Key Note address, the highest honor bestowed on a participant.

Heather is a runner who runs races, along with her 11 year old daughter Mia, in full Firefighter Gear to raise awareness about Cancer in the Fire Service and the need for Cancer Coverage in the State of Florida. Heather enjoys hunting, the top down on her jeep and anything with peanut butter!!

Assistant Chief John Luca is a career firefighter who has put his heart and soul into serving the public for the past twenty-seven years. He currently serves as the Assistant Chief of Boca Raton FL Fire-Rescue Services.John's union leadership tenure spanned twenty-one years, with six years as vice-president and ten years as president of Firefighters of Boca Raton, Local 1560, where he holds the distinction of President Emeritus. He is a recent graduate of John Maxwell's leadership certification program. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Thomas University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, as well as a Master's degree in Emergency Planning and Administration from Lynn University.John is president of Values Matter Consulting Services, LLC a start-up business. This endeavor led John to develop, "Leadership: An Introspective Analysis," a leadership program determined to add value to firefighters at every level and tenure in their professional career. You can contact Chief Luca at his website or via email, valuesmatter@gmail.com

Battalion Chief (ret) John Cagno, worked for 35 years with N. Providence RI Fire Dept., an ISO Class I Department. He served as a firefighter and lieutenant on Company 1 and Captain of Squad 1. He was a member of FEMA's Urban Search & Rescue Task Force, MATF1 for 18 years, as a rescue specialist and Assistant Squad Officer. He also served as the Rescue Operations Manager for the Rhode Island State Team. He is the founder of LEAD IT!, where he posts leadership and other fire-service quotes, daily. He is also a speaker on Leadership and Cultural Change. Chief Cagno is also a nationally certified Instructor and speaker on various topics specializing in leadership and firefighter survival. He is also the author of the book, "The Boy in the Box," available on Amazon. You can follow Chief Cagno on Twitter @jcag2334 or by email at jcgag2334@aol.com